Let the Rains Begin

Article By:Joan Bradshaw
Director of the University of Florida /IFAS Citrus County Extension

This time of year Citrus County residents are enjoying the return of summer rains. With the bountiful rainfall we are experiencing, there has been a noticeable rebirth of our landscapes, parks and pastures. Everything is coming up green! Results of the summer rain are really evident but what you may not have noticed is the movement of rainfall.

When rain falls onto the earth, it just doesn't sit there. It begins moving according to the laws of gravity. A portion of precipitation seeps into the ground to replenish ground water. Most of it however, flows downhill as runoff. Runoff is extremely important in that it replenishes rivers, streams and lakes, but it also changes the landscape by the action of erosion. Stormwater runoff can also carry along with it pollutants such as pesticides and excess fertilizers into local water bodies. These same pollutants can flow into sinkholes and infiltrate the underground aquifer, the source of our drinking water and water in Florida's springs.

Following a few Florida-friendly landscaping guidelines will reduce the potential of yard chemical rinsing away from your yard. A properly designed and managed landscape can help slow down and filter stormwater runoff. Consider the following practical tips for reducing the amount of rainfall that runs off your yard.

• Direct downspouts and gutters onto your lawn and plant beds, or into rain barrels, cisterns or containment areas.
• Use mulch, bricks, gravel or other porous surfaces for walkways, patios and driveways.
• Sweep grass clippings, fertilizer and soil onto the lawn so they don’t get washed into storm drains.
• Clean up oil spills and leaks on the driveway. Use cat litter to absorb oil.
• Pick up pet waste to help reduce bacterial and nutrient pollution.
• Remove trash from street gutters before it gets washed into storm drains.
• Use swales (low areas) to hold and filter water.
  

Citrus County Extension links the public with the University of Florida/IFAS’s knowledge, research, and resources to address youth, family, community, and agricultural needs. Programs and activities offered by the Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, handicap, sex, religion, or national origin. Citrus County – Providing Solutions for Your Life.

Dr. Joan Bradshaw is the natural resource conservation faculty for specialized programs in Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Sumter County University of Florida/IFAS Extension Service.

All programs and related activities sponsored for, or assisted by, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are open to all persons with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations.

For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please contact our office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request. For hearing impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Center at 1-800-955-8770 (voice) or 1-800 –955-8771 (TDD).

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